Halloween, the day when the dead is remembered, as a concept has originated in the west. It is common practice to associate Halloween Day to ghosts and spirits. India has a long standing association with ghost stories and occurrences. Some say they are myths & rumours, but there are some who believe that these stories are stark reality.
When we say ghosts, the only place that comes to an Indians’ mind is Rajasthan. Rajasthan is the home to not one but two places linked to paranormal activities. One of these places also features in the list of top 5 scariest places in the world.
Rajasthan is located on the western side of the country, & comprises most of the wide and inhospitable Thar Desert. Rajasthan is famous for its forts, carved temples, and decorated havelis, which were built by Rajput kings in pre-Muslim era Rajasthan. Apart from this Rajasthan is also famous for paranormal activities sites- Bhangarh Fort and Kuldhara Village.
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| Rajasthan Fort |
Bhangarh Fort
Situated in the Alwar district of Rajasthan, the Bhangarh fort, they say, is not for the faint-hearted people. Rated as the most haunted place in the whole of India this fort is surrounded with two rumours: that it was cursed by an evil sorcerer who loved the princess of Bhnagarh and that it was cursed by a Sadhu who lived within the precincts of the fort. The warning by the Government of India at the entrance of the fort, does give you a feel that something is horribly amiss here but if you can keep your fear at bay then you will come vis-a-vis with surreal beauty of the Bhangarh fort.
The Bhangarh fort greets you with a plethora of things: an ancient market called the Jauhari Bazaar, ruins, havelis, gardens and a number of temples. Besides all these, in particular one umbrella-like structure on the hill, stands out. Popularly known as the `Chattri` it is believed to offer magnificent views of the fort.
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| Bhangarh Fort |
Kuldhara Village
Kuldhara, a haunted village near Jaisalmer, was abandoned by its residents: the Paliwal Brahmins, overnight in the 18th century. Apparently, the ruler of Kuldhara set his eyes on one of the girls in the community, possibly the Chief’s daughter. The Paliwals were given no choice in the matter and they had just a day to accept his proposal. Overcome by remorse and in desperation, the entire community left their homes and hearths behind, cursing the king and escaped in the death of the night.
There are crumbled ruins in this village as far as the eye can see. Only a lone temple stands renovated among the ruins. Some find the silence over here eerie while some find it comforting. The caretaker here narrates the story in his evocative style. However he dismisses the haunted bit.
Haunted or not, these off beat destinations are certainly worth visiting for those who have an adventure streak and will dare to tread on a haunted trail.
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| Kuldhara Village |
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